Bisset Park in Radford is a natural backdrop for the 8th annual Native American Heritage Festival slated for Saturday, April 14 since, when the park was being excavated, artifacts left by the Native Americans who lived along the New 400 years ago were found. This festival aims to honor that heritage.
Featured at this year’s Native American Heritage festival will be Aztec dancers, Native Americans in full regalia, Warrior Path as Host Drum and craft and food vendors with authentic merchandise reflecting the cultural heritage of the different tribes of Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland.
Dancers in full regalia are welcome to participate in a $250 luck-of-the-draw contest.
Gates will open at 11a.m and at noon. There will be a grand entry procession of many tribal affiliations, head dancers, elders and children.
Master of Ceremonies, Lowery Begay, will direct the activities in the arena, explaining the symbolism, protocol and spiritual meanings of the dances, regalia and drums to the spectators.
Admission prices are $5 for adults, $3 for youth and veterans.
The festival will be held rain or shine. Everyone is encouraged to bring chairs or blankets. Bisset Park is located on West Main Street at 23 Berkely Williams Drive, Radford.
The event is being sponsored by the Radford Visitor’s Center. More information is available at www.VisitRadford.com or by calling 540-267-3153.